What is gqom?

Gqom: The Dark, Hypnotic Sound of South Africa’s Dance Scene

South Africa has been a melting pot of groundbreaking electronic music for decades, but few genres have hit as hard and as raw as Gqom. Emerging from the townships of Durban in the early 2010s, Gqom (pronounced ‘gom’) is a dark, minimal, and hypnotic style of house music that thrives on heavy bass, broken drum patterns, and a trance-like groove that electrifies dance floors worldwide.

What Defines Gqom?
Gqom is distinct from the more melodic, percussive Amapiano and Afrohouse. It’s raw, stripped-down, and built for intensity. Unlike traditional house music, which relies on steady four-on-the-floor beats, Gqom thrives on syncopation, rolling basslines, and eerie vocal samples. The music carries an almost cinematic quality—deep, dark, and pulsating with energy.

The word ‘Gqom’ itself is derived from a Zulu term meaning ‘hit’ or ‘bang,’ perfectly capturing the genre’s explosive nature. Its DIY roots, pioneered by young bedroom producers in Durban, have given it an authentic underground energy that remains unmatched.

Pioneers of Gqom
Gqom has been shaped by a wave of innovative producers and DJs who have taken the sound from the backrooms of Durban clubs to global stages. Some of the most influential artists in the genre include:

DJ Lag – Known as the ‘King of Gqom,’ DJ Lag has been instrumental in bringing the genre to the global stage, with collaborations spanning from Beyoncé to major electronic festivals worldwide.
DJ Tira – A household name in South African dance music, DJ Tira helped push Gqom into the mainstream through his Afrotainment label and collaborations with top artists.
Goldmax – As part of the duo Distruction Boyz, Goldmax played a massive role in producing anthems that propelled Gqom into commercial success.
DJ Que – One of the early innovators, DJ Que’s tracks have become club anthems, setting the tone for Gqom’s signature hypnotic sound.
Babes Wodumo – Often referred to as the Queen of Gqom, Babes Wodumo gained international recognition with hits like “Wololo,” solidifying Gqom’s global appeal.
Mampintsha (RIP) – A key figure in the evolution of Gqom, Mampintsha, alongside his group Big Nuz, helped popularize the sound across South Africa and beyond.
These artists, among many others, have pushed the boundaries of Gqom, evolving it into a genre that continues to influence global electronic music.

The Gqom Experience at Jika Fridays in London
Gqom’s infectious energy has found a home in London’s underground scene, and Jika Fridays is the ultimate place to experience it live. Hosted at EGG LDN, Jika Fridays is a monthly African Electronic Music event dedicated to bringing the best sounds of Gqom, Amapiano, 3-Step, and Afrohouse to the heart of London.

For those looking to lose themselves in the hypnotic basslines and relentless energy of Gqom, Jika Fridays is where the scene comes alive. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the genre, the night promises an electrifying atmosphere, showcasing some of the best DJs and producers in the game.

Gqom’s journey from the streets of Durban to global recognition proves that raw, underground sounds can shape the future of dance music. And with events like Jika Fridays, London is quickly becoming a hotspot for African electronic music lovers to immerse themselves in the bass-heavy, high-energy world of Gqom.

Follow @jikaparty for updates on upcoming Jika Fridays events and join the movement!